Melissa Hongsermeier working with her ninth grade algebra class at South Milwaukee High School to solve a math problem.

Prepare for a rewarding career teaching mathematics in grades 4 through 12 with the Mathematics Teacher Education Program.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

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Why Mathematics Education?

  • World-class, cutting-edge, research-based teacher education curriculum taught by expert and experienced mathematics educators.
  • Preparation to teach in Wisconsin and beyond with a focus on Common Core mathematics and high-cognitive-demand tasks that engage all learners.
  • Quality field experience supervisors and exceptional cooperating teachers.
  • You can earn certification in as few as three semesters (summer, fall, spring) with flexible and convenient evening and summer course offerings with cohorts of students and instructors.
  • Rigorous preparation for future employment in a variety of settings working with a diverse group of students.
  • Perfect for a diverse array of teacher candidates. We welcome undergraduates and transfer students, career-changers already holding a bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree candidates seeking a license to teach.
A student (african american female) working through a math equation on her classroom whiteboard

Math education degree students have the opportunity to experience hands-on classroom-based fieldwork and student teaching with middle and high schools for a full school year. After satisfactorily completing the program requirements, you will meet the Wisconsin teacher certification requirements for grades 4 through 12.

For post-baccalaureates and contracted but unlicensed teachers: If you have a science, mathematics or engineering degree and wish to obtain a science or mathematics teaching license, or if you are unlicensed and teaching on-the-job, you can join our certification program from any location within Wisconsin and complete the certification program within one year, while working full time. Our highly acclaimed program, MACSTEP 2.0, is now using videoconferencing technology, so future mathematics and science teachers can participate in real-time classes from home, or their school, using a camera on their computer and a reliable Wi-Fi connection in order to Zoom into class.

You will be interacting with a cohort of certification students and the instructors, while working through modules and assignments in order to complete course credits and fieldwork experiences. You can complete fieldwork and student teaching close to where you live, or at your on-the-job school while functioning as an unlicensed contracted teacher.

This Program Is Designed For

  • Undergraduates who are completing a degree at UWM or another institution.
  • Post-baccalaureates (who already have a degree in science, mathematics or engineering) who want to become certified to teach through videoconferencing technology, attending on-campus courses or a combination of both.
  • Post-baccalaureates who want certification, but also wish to complete many of their credits for a master’s degree, and finish the M.S. shortly after beginning their first teaching job.
  • Post-baccalaureate from anywhere in Wisconsin or northern Illinois.
  • Veterans, active military, Guards and Reserve — this program complements the Department of Defense Troops to Teachers.
  • Teachers on an emergency or substitute license, teaching at a public or private school, who wish to obtain a science or mathematics teaching license.

Program Requirements

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our math education degree program. Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous coursework can be used to fulfill certification requirements.

Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for post-baccalaureate students only)

Graduate Program

Can complete certification and most of a master’s degree in three semesters. Please contact Dr. Ray Scolavino for more information. See C&I master’s degree program.

Admission Criteria

Undergraduate Students

  • 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  • 2.75 grade point average in all mathematics content courses
  • Additional undergraduate requirements for admission, see your academic advisor
  • Applications must be received by May 1

Post-Baccalaureate Students

  • Undergraduate degree in mathematics or equivalent
  • 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  • 2.75 grade point average in all mathematics content courses
  • Applications must be received by May 1

Graduate Students

Application Process

Undergraduate Program

Please complete the admission review form linked below if you wish to begin your MACSTEP Mathematics Professional Sequence in the Summer 2024 semester. Applications must be received by May 1.

Undergraduate Admission Review Form

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Please complete the admission review form linked below if you wish to begin your MACSTEP Mathematics Professional Sequence in the Summer 2024 semester. Applications must be received by May 1.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission Application

Graduate Program

Can complete certification and most of a master’s degree in three semesters. Please contact Dr. Ray Scolavino for more information about the Graduate Program requirements. See C&I master’s degree program.

Faculty

Ray Scolavino, Distinguished Lecturer and Teaching Faculty in Teaching and Learning
  • Distinguished Lecturer, Teaching and Learning
  • Program Director, Science Education, Grades 4-12
  • Program Director, Mathematics Education, Grades 4-12

Advising

  • (Last names A – L) – Andrea Azarian
  • (Last names M – Z) – Tamara Wallhausser
Andrea Azarian, Senior Academic Advisor in Office of Student Services.
  • Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
Tammy Badura, Senior Academic Advisor in Office of Student Services.
  • Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services